Saturday, May 9, 2015

The biggest holiday on the calendar in Russia and many other former Soviet States is May 9. These countries celebrate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany on the day the Nazis surrendered to the Russians, May 9, 1945.

The soldiers in the photo above are fighting at the Battle of Kursk in 1943. This was and is the largest armored battle ever fought and the Soviet Army won, turning the the tide against Germany.

While this day is great for the Soviet Union, Russia and the free world, it is a bad date for me. Eight years ago today, I had the most and worst injuries I have had on one day in my life. If you don't know the story it is here and here.

Because there are only 365 days in a year, many days will have multiple meanings. So the coincidence that my worst wreck and the greatest Russian victory are on the same day is just a coincidence.

So in the spirit of this day, I will practice my recently learned Russian language skills and race my bicycle at Smoketown Airport this morning. What else would someone do on a sunny Spring Saturday morning?